No attacks on Jordanian posts on Iraqi border — army

AMMAN — The army on Wednesday dismissed news reports claiming that an armed group had attacked military posts on the Jordanian-Iraqi border.

In a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Spokesperson Col. Mamdoh Al-Ameri said an armed group driving three jeeps believed to belong to the Islamic State group clashed with Iraqi army personnel within Iraqi territory and bombed two military barracks before withdrawing further into Iraq.

Ameri underlined JAF's readiness to deal with any infiltration, and attempts to hamper the security and stability of Jordan.

Also on Wednesday, Border Guards foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotic pills, hashish, weapons and ammunition into the Kingdom through the border with Syria, Petra quoted the JAF spokesperson as saying.

Ameri added that Border Guards exchanged fire with smugglers while they were trying to bring the contraband into the Kingdom from Syria.

One of the smugglers was injured in the skirmish, he noted, adding that the smuggled items are being examined, with further details to be announced later. 

The army has various measures in place to safeguard border security and foil infiltration and smuggling attempts which could endanger national security, JAF has said in previous statements.